Christams Concert 2008

The traditional WLSBB Christmas Concert was held in St Joseph’s Parish Church in Whitburn on Friday 19th December. Apart from the normal raffles and other fundraising activities, the draw for the 2009 West Lothian Challenge contest was held during the concert.

The concert began with the carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” which progressed into “Snowman”, the theme from the cartoon film of the same name which was released in 1982, and is otherwise known as “Walking in the Air” by Howard Blake.

It was then the audiences’ turn to accompany the band in the carol “Once in Royal David’s City”.
Continuing with WLSBB tradition, the youngest cornet player is required to play a solo at the Xmas Concert. The honour on this occasion fell upon Emma Doolan who confidently performed “Mary’s Boy Child”, accompanied by the band.

This was followed by the beautiful “Pia Jesu”, taken from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Requiem" featuring solo performances from Holly Boddice on Soprano Cornet and Hayley Edmond on Flugelhorn.The band then performed “Sleigh Ride”, composed by Leroy Anderson.

It was time for the band to take a break, so the Croftmalloch Primary School Choir provided the musical entertainment with a selection of six Christmas songs.

After that, the band joined the choir for “Away in a Manger”.

The band then continued with the carol “Gaudete” (Rejoice), after which the audience joined the band to sing “We Three Kings”. This was followed by a solo feature, “I Himmelen (In Heaven)”, which is a traditional Norwegian hymn tune treated to a sensitive and imaginative arrangement by Svein Giske which was performed beautifully by the band’s Principal Cornet, Susannah Downs.

Another solo performance followed, this time featuring the band’s principal euphonium player, Jamie Shade who performed “Oh Holy Night”.

Nigel Boddice decided it was time for more audience participation. Each row had to sway in opposite directions to the wonderful “Schneewaltzer” (The Snow Waltz).

Before the Annual Awards ceremony and the West Lothian Challenge Draw, there was just time for the audience to join the band for “O Come all ye Faithful”

It was then time for the draw for the 2009 West Lothian Challenge. It was drawn by a young member of the audience to ensure impartiality!

Then it was time for the awards. The first award was a special presentation made to Margaret Foster who was moving on to new challenges after being involved in the administration and co-ordination of the band for twenty years. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a specially commissioned wood carving produced by John Donaldson featuring two cats, her favourite animals. (see photo).

The results of the draw were as follows: -

Semi Final 1 - Sunday June 7th 2009           Semi Final 2 - Sunday June 14th 2009

1. Kirkintilloch                                            1. Whitburn
2. Unison Kinneil                                        2. Dalmellington
3. Kingdom Brass                                       3. Bon Accord

It was then time for the presentation of the Brian Duguid Award. Brian was Arts and Cultural Services Manager for West Lothian Council, and was a strong supporter of the band before his death in December 2005. The wooden trophy is presented annually to the bandsperson who has, in the opinion of the music staff, shown dedication to the band throughout the year. This years

recipient of the Brian Duguid Award was Principal Cornet Player Susannah Downs, who tearfully received the trophy from Nigel Boddice. (see photo).

So, it was then back to the music, and the audience were invited to join the band for “White Christmas”, made famous by Bing Crosby, written by Irving Berlin. It was then time for the final item “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”, or perhaps not!